p-XYLENE

GENERAL

p-Xylene is a chemical that occurs naturally in crude oil but is supplemented by additional amounts made in the refining process. It is used in many common products, such as paints, rubber, adhesives, plastic bottles and clothing. Expansions for PTA into the next century may cause a p-Xylene shortfall unless further expansion action is taken. PX supply will be boosted, not only by expansions, but also by an increase in mixed xylenes supply due to gasoline reformulations and the production of PX from toluene through toluene disproportionation

PHYSICAL PROPERTY & DESCRIPTION

CAS NO.

STRUCTURE

 Appearance & Odor : Clear, colorless liquid. Characteristic odor.
Solubility: Insoluble in water.
Specific Gravity:0.86 @ 20C/ 4C
pH: Not applicable.
% Volatiles by volume @ 21C (70F):100
Boiling Point: 138C (280F)
Melting Point:13 - 14C (55 - 57F)
Vapor Density (Air=1):3.7
Vapor Pressure (mm Hg):9 @ 20C (68F)
Evaporation Rate (BuAc=1):0.7

106-42-3 

SYNONYM

p-methyltoluene 

MOL WT.

C₈H₁₀
106.167 

PRECAUTION IN HANDLING

Protect against physical damage. Store in a cool, dry well-ventilated location, away from any area where the fire hazard may be acute. Outside or detached storage is preferred. Separate from incompatibles. Containers should be bonded and grounded for transfers to avoid static sparks. Storage and use areas should be No Smoking areas. Use non-sparking type tools and equipment, including explosion proof ventilation. Containers of this material may be hazardous when empty since they retain product residues (vapors, liquid); observe all warnings and precautions listed for the product. Do Not attempt to clean empty containers since residue is difficult to remove. Do not pressurize, cut, weld, braze, solder, drill, grind or expose such containers to heat, sparks, flame, static electricity or other sources of ignition: they may explode and cause injury or death.

APPLICATION

Virtually all PX recovered in purified terephthalic acid (PTA). A small amount in solvent and di-paraxylene and herbicides.

SPECIFICATION

COMMENTS